Member Reviews

Renowned and Award Winning Martial Arts and Fitness for the Whole Family in West Cumbria

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Anna

Rated 5 out of 5

I'm a woman in my 50's and was looking for something to train my body, mind and spirit on a deeper, more disciplined level. The team at E.S.K.K are highly skilled in karate and deliver excellent, focused training sessions. Since joining, I have found a new enthusiasm, I am challenged mentally and physically and I feel more confident in myself and in my body. There's such a diverse age range and everyone is really friendly. I highly recommend E.S.K.K. 😊🌸

Marek Emilianowicz

Rated 5 out of 5

My son has been attending ESKK Martial Arts and Fitness for years, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. He is always excited to go, feels motivated, and genuinely enjoys his training.His karate skills have improved significantly over time, and it’s clear that the instructors are dedicated and supportive. The environment is friendly, welcoming, and most importantly, safe. We feel confident leaving him in such a positive setting.Another great aspect is the communication. If a class is cancelled or moved to a different location, there is an immediate response and clear notification. It really shows that everyone’s time is valued and considered.I would recommend ESKK Martial Arts and Fitness to everyone looking for a great martial arts club for their child and themselves as well.

Julia

Rated 5 out of 5

A really professionally ran inclusive club which has a very friendly atmosphere and ethos, irrespective of ability.

Kizzy

Rated 5 out of 5

Very responsive to enquiries. What i like best about ESKk is the compassionate encouragement ahead of events such as gradings. They share and celebrate successes without creating unhealthy competitiveness that can make young people feel pressured. Would recommend ESKK

Sharon Watson

Rated 5 out of 5

Very friendly teachers who make my son feel at ease and patient

Steve Brown

Rated 5 out of 5

Great system in place that allows people of all experience (and age) to feel welcome. I have joined the Kettlebell and endure strike, to help me regain strength, conditioning and flexibility and it is working wonders. I have also joined the Karate and all the instructors have been welcoming and show great care towards their students Their knowledge, experience and teaching methods are outstanding! Great work and highly recommended.

Ghostman 666

Rated 5 out of 5

Outstanding dojo teaching traditional Okinawan karate in a safe, respectful, and motivating family atmosphere. All the Senseis are patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive. My son absolutely loves training here, and his confidence, focus, and discipline have grown massively. We both look forward to training every week, and I highly recommend ESKK.

Debbie irving

Rated 5 out of 5

My daughter has been attending these classes a few years now and loves them. The instructors are so patient, dedicated and knowledgeable, I can’t recommend Eskk enough.

Alison hutton

Rated 5 out of 5

The change I've seen in my grandson since have his taster session, his confidence is amazing and cant wait until next week

Amee Flynn

Absolutely 1000% recommend E.S.K.K for any fitness needs! From the very first Pilates taster session, Jenny has been amazing, so helpful and supportive throughout, providing advice and tips on my form and technique - even taking the time after your session to talk about any concerns or personal goals. The whole class are also so welcoming, you’ll start looking forward to a Tuesday evening!I loved it so much, I also started Enduro-Strike which has been so much fun! Jenny is as supportive as she is in Pilates, and teaches great boxing techniques. After only starting with E.S.K.K at the end of November ‘24, my fitness and endurance levels have improved significantly, and I keep managing to surprise myself in each session with what I can achieve. You leave every single session feeling challenged (in the best way!) and so proud of your achievements. Thanks Jenny for all your support so far!

stacey chilton

Rated 5 out of 5

When Max joined E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness, he had struggled with anxiety and low confidence for a long time. Partly due to covid lock down and partly because of other children picking on him. He seemed OK around us but trying to get him to school was a real battle.Since joining the dojo a few months ago the confidence and friendships he has gained is unbelievable! He goes to school happy and even the teachers have commented on how much happier he is.Every karate class is a treat that Max looks forward to. He loves to catch up with his instructors and friends and is learning valuable skills at the same time.E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness is a real family and we'll be forever grateful for the support they have given us to help Max grow into a confident young man.

Vicky Holland

suffering with a chronic illness i had a consultation with Jenny to make sure it was safe for me to try Pilates, from the very first class i was made to feel very welcome by not only Jenny but the other members of the class, i love how there are different options for each move depending what you what can manage. The prompting durning the workouts is very good as it keeps me focused, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and im really enjoying learning Pilates

Antonios Katsikadamos

Amazing people and mentality. 100% recommended for adults or your children.

William James

Rated 5 out of 5

This is a brilliant club with very friendly and approachable instructors. If you are thinking of taking up Karate you will not regret joining. I have been going to every class I can for around two months and really look forward to them. They are ideal for any age group, I'm 72 (!) and have been allowed to fit in seamlessly. Please don't put off joining, bite the bullet. 🥋

Brian Kirk

Rated 5 out of 5

Great attention to all the individuals in the class. Anne.

Kevin Stilling

Rated 5 out of 5

Karate, Enduro - Strike and Pilates classes are all well organised. All ages and abilities are made welcome and supported throughout.

Judith Dale

Rated 5 out of 5

Thoroughly enjoying being a part of this community in both karate and now joining enduro strike

Cal Ling (Cals Auto Show)

Rated 5 out of 5

Lovely family business with a great experience, highly recommend everyone gives this a try

Cal Ling (Cals Auto Show)

Rated 5 out of 5

Lovely family business with a great experience, highly recommend everyone gives this a try

JulieS-1328

Rated 5 out of 5

I absolutely love Karate with ESKK Martial Arts and Fitness. I have been going for 5 months now and have gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities. I feel stronger and my balance has greatly increased. I have struggled being around others in a social setting for many years and everyone has been incredibly respectful, friendly, kind and easy to be around. I look forward to every class and miss it when I can't make one. There's a lot of support and help on hand from the owners and from the higher belts in the classes. Everyone helps each other out! If I feel this great after 5 months I can't wait to see what I achieve in 1 year. Thank you ESKK. I would highly recommend you 😀

julie satriani

Rated 5 out of 5

I absolutely love Karate with ESKK Martial Arts and Fitness. I have been going for 5 months now and have gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities. I feel stronger and my balance has greatly increased. I have struggled being around others in a social setting for many years and everyone has been incredibly respectful, friendly, kind and easy to be around. I look forward to every class and miss it when I can't make one. There's a lot of support and help on hand from the owners and from the higher belts in the classes. Everyone helps each other out here! If I feel this great after 5 months I can't wait to see what I achieve in 1 year. Thank you ESKK.I would highly recommend you 😀

Louise Pater

My son has been attending E.S.K.K for approx 6 weeks now and absolutely loves it. He looks forward to every session. The instructors (Sensei) are brilliant they know how to engage with the group in order to get the best out of them and manage to bring a bit of fun into every session. We were also invited to attend a special workshop which gave us lots of tips and tricks to be able to practice more effectively at home. It is great for fitness but also for flexibility, core strength, discipline, confidence and respect. I would recommend anyone of any age, level or ability to give them a try.

Penny Eldon

Rated 5 out of 5

My daughter did a taster week over the summer holidays and loved it so Jenny signed her up. She's really enjoying her class and the instructors are great as they help the kids when they are struggling whilst the other carries on with the more experienced. Penny comes home and loves showing me what she has been doing that week.

Richard Harvey

Rated 5 out of 5

An absolutely fantastic martial arts and fitness club. I practice enduro strike and Kettlebells with them and I highly recommend them. Chris and Jenny are highly experienced and friendly instructors so if you would like to try something new with your fitness regime give them a shout first - you won't regret it 😁

Richard Harvey

Rated 5 out of 5

I go to the Enduro Strike and Kettlebell classes every week. These are absolutely fantastic and Jenny is a brilliant instructor - if you're looking for a new fitness regime in your life you just can't go wrong with the ESKK 😊

Richard Harvey

Rated 5 out of 5

I go to the Enduro Strike and Kettlebell classes every week. These are absolutely fantastic and Jenny is a brilliant instructor - if you're looking for a new fitness regime in your life you just can't go wrong with the ESKK 😊

Mike Branney

Rated 5 out of 5

I would highly recommend ESKK to anyone, at any age!If you want to learn karate, you have the opportunity, right here in West Cumbria, to learn Traditional Okinawan Karate under expert tuition from Chris and his team of instructors and assistants, many of who have trained in Okinawa too, the birthplace of Karate.If Karate is not for you but you like fitness classes, ESKK has you covered there also. Jenny delivers multiple types of fitness classes, which just like the karate, have top-notch instruction, along with a level of support and encouragement that you will just not find at a national chain.If you want to learn Karate and take fitness classes, there is nowhere better... full stop!I joined ESKK in 2020 with my youngest son, to support him in starting his karate journey and it wasn't long before we were joined by my eldest son too.Both of my kids have benefited immensely, both mentally and physically, from their training, which as a parent has been amazing to see, and especially considering the trials and tribulations that 2020/21 has brought with it for them.I have personally seen and felt dramatic improvements in my mobility and flexibility, along with a dramatic reduction in things like back, shoulder, hip and knee pain, all the negatives of a modern sedentary work/lifestyle.ESKK is also not just another training facility, it's a community, from Chris and Jenny, right down to all of the members, it's a positive place to be a part of!With free taster sessions available, why not give it a go and see if it's for you too.

Jill Robinson

Rated 5 out of 5

My husband and I have recently joined ESKK and returned to karate and fitness after a 10 year break. We love it! To share our passion for the art of karate with others which is explained, taught and demonstrated so well and with much patience by Sensei Chris Denwood and attend the fitness classes taught by Jenny, also with a lot of patience, thankyou!!It is an honour to be a member of ESKK. It is a safe place of good discipline, respect, personal development and friendships.

Hannah Hill

Rated 5 out of 5

A fantastic karate club. Has really built up my daughters confidence. The club is friendly and I'm really impressed with what my daughter has achieved since starting 6 years ago. Would recommend ESKK to anyone thinking of trying karate.

Annette Bragg

Rated 5 out of 5

Tom loves karate at ESKK Martial Arts. It has really helped him to develop his concentration skills and his confidence. The teachers are so patient and dedicated and they have really encouraged Tom with his karate. Highly recommended.

Claire Lavin

Rated 5 out of 5

Absolutely love E.S.K.K my son joined 3 years ago and was very shy, Chris was brilliant with him was very patient and when Lucas felt very nervous about something Chris just spoke to him and soon he was raring to go. Lucas is still a very shy boy but with Chris's patience and determination he continues to improve and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Lucas is now an orange belt heading for greatness all thanks to Chris and Jenny ☺️ xx

Claire Lavin

Rated 5 out of 5

Absolutely love E.S.K.K my son joined 3 years ago and was very shy, Chris was brilliant with him was very patient and when Lucas felt very nervous about something Chris just spoke to him and soon he was raring to go. Lucas is still a very shy boy but with Chris's patience and determination he continues to improve and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Lucas is now an orange belt heading for greatness all thanks to Chris and Jenny ☺️ xx

Bradley Sutton

Excellent martial arts community. I have 2 kids learning with ESKK. Besides the excellent karate tuition they have learnt respect, focus and had a lot of fun in a safe and friendly environment!

Stephen McDowell

Rated 5 out of 5

Became a member earlier this year with my son and really enjoying our sessions together. Classes are well organised, varied and we're both making great progress. ESKK are thoroughly professional and cater for all ages and abilities. Highly recommended.

andrea kerr

Rated 5 out of 5

Marie Taylor

Rated 5 out of 5

ESKK Martial Arts & Fitness have gone above and beyond for our whole family during this difficult year. They have provided excellent online karate content for our son aswell as offering a range of fitness classes for the whole family. ESKK have endeavoured to create a strong communitee amoung it's members and their families by setting a variety of challenges. I would strongly recommend ESKK Martial Arts & Fitness to anyone.

Teut

Rated 5 out of 5

ESKK gives so many options to improve your well being..far too many to list here. If you feel you're worth it, then I could think of no finer choice then to join the community.

Sam Pattinson

Rated 5 out of 5

Fantastic group/family to be a part of I have managed to lose 1 stone since I started with the fitness during lockdown and the instructors help you if your struggling they give alternative exercises to suit individual abilities and are always happy to help even outside of class times.

Phil Harrison

Rated 5 out of 5

I have been Karate training with ESKK for nearly three years now and I have to admit it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I had previously studied sports Karate when I was younger and have always had an interest in martials arts, but I stopped training when I attended university. I had not trained Karate for twenty years so I was a little apprehensive about starting again, but I made the decision to give it a go, and I have been hooked ever since. ESKK teaches traditional Karate and is more self defense based than sports Karate, and also provides a holistic approach for self improvement. In my opinion the tuition by Sensei Chris Denwood is world class. The atmosphere in the classes is terrific, and the camaraderie between Karateka is inspiring. I have noticed positive effects in many areas of my life since I started training with ESKK, I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

Paul gilmour

Rated 5 out of 5

The number one karate club in Cumbria for a reason. If you want your kids to have the most professional quality training and tuition, then this is the place to come to. Really friendly and convenient locations too.

Danette Bostock

Rated 5 out of 5

My eldest daughter enrolled into E.S.K.K when she was 8 or 9. I was given a recommendation by a friend whose daughter attended. She already does ballet and other activities so I wondered if this was too much. Though she very active, learning karate, helped her focus at school and helped in other areas of her life. Then as she progressed my husband joined and he jumped right in and was hooked! She is now a blue stripe belt (as she is a junior) he is a blue belt. Then when my youngest daughter turned 6, she wanted to learn as she had been attending weekly with her sister since she was little. She is now a red belt and enjoys learning karate. This dojo is very family friendly and I would encourage any parent to send their kids and even parents to join and learn karate at E.S.K.K. They learn more than just a skill they learn discipline, focus, determination and respect for others.

Darren Strickland

Rated 5 out of 5

I haven't looked back since joining ESKK, expertly taught by Chris Denwood, it is a engaging, challenging, friendly atmosphere that brings out your strengths and strives to push you further than you thought you could go, not only do you get world class karate tuition but also top knotch fitness classes taught by Jenny, I will never go to another Dojo

john chilton

Rated 5 out of 5

Fantastic group of people you are looked after from day one. All the instructors are knowledgeable and help you and go above and beyond to help would highly recomend.

Catherine Jackson

Rated 5 out of 5

I have been a kettlebells member for over 6 months and the way the classes have been handled both during Covid and while restarting face to face classes has been handled very professionally. I’m not very fit but I have always been welcomed and made to feel like I belong! Would recommend 100%!

john hopkins

Rated 5 out of 5

At the ripe old age of 63 I decided to have a go at karate thinking that people would say what are you doing but instead Sensei Chris and Jenny, all the instructors and members give me the utmost encouragement. The classes are great and I also do fitness classes.

john hopkins

Rated 5 out of 5

At the ripe old age of 63 I decided to have a go at karate thinking that people would say what are you doing but instead Sensei Chris and Jenny, all the instructors and members give me the utmost encouragement. The classes are great and I also do fitness classes.

Fozdrummer

Rated 5 out of 5

I've been a student at ESKK for over 10 years now. Chris and Jenny are the heart and soul of this family focused club offering a range of fitness classes as well as world class traditional karate. Chris, as founder and chief instructor is a renowned international martial artist, teacher and author with an approach to sharing karate that attracts families , encourages youngsters and supports everyone no matter what age. In the covid 19 crisis, the club has built up a weekly schedule of on line classes on facebook live and zoom with limited covid safe now successfully restarting. People stick at it at this club, even through the covid crisis and that's down to the family feel, the support, the encouragement and sheer quality of the teaching. People from all over the world queue to get to a seminar hosted by Chris and we have one of the best karate schools in the world on our west cumbrian doorstep.

SimonC-1008

Rated 5 out of 5

I've trained in martial arts for over ten years now and I joined ESKK about two years ago and have enjoyed every minute of it. The friendships I've made and the confidence and skills that I've developed are fantastic. Chris Denwood puts a great amount of effort and time into his students. Highly recommend starting the classes.

Simon Marley

Rated 5 out of 5

Great way to keep fit and flexible. Something that all the family can do together. Professional instructors with a great knowledge of the subject but still keep it fun and interesting. We'll worth a go.

Peter Hinde

Rated 5 out of 5

Ive had the honour to train with Sensei Denwood and the Eskk for over 10 years. The standard of teaching is high, the camaraderie is infectious. We have trained in Japan and Sensei Denwoods books are a must read.Train with us and you will begin a journey you won't forget.